YouSaid · the spoken record

Flesch

THE RECORD WRITES THIS SPEAKER AS FLESCH

lines on the record: 86
first: 1981-09-24
most recent: 1983-09-24
sittings or episodes: 3
sources: un-general-debate

Every line below is reproduced as it was said and linked to the record it came from. Nothing here is summarised or generated. Directory · Search · Corrections

“Whatever solutions are finally decided on, it seems to me that those which are sometimes neglected virtues will be essential in developing the capacity of the United Nations for action and making it an instrument capable of meeting the goals defined in Article 1 of the Charter, that is: to maintain international peace and security; to develop friendly relations among nations; to achieve international co-operation; and to be a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations in the attainment of those common ends.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“We hope that the serious economic crisis which has troubled the world in recent years will have made us more realistic, more pragmatic and more able to distinguish between what is feasible and what is not. If we want to increase the effectiveness of the Organization, let us not make demands that we know from the start to be unattainable; let us not defend positions that we know to be untenable; and let us be aware of that interdependence so often invoked but so rarely respected. 319. I believe that the main point of the contribution that can be made by a small State such as Luxembourg to a debate such as this is the lesson in realism, pragmatism and moderation. 320.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“While fully aware of the difficulties inherent in the work of the Secretary-General, we should like to encourage him again to persevere in the task on which he has embarked so courageously. 317. We believe that this process of reflection is highly desirable and we hope that it will lead to a genuine improvement of the functioning of the world Organization. It seems to us that the Charter contains all the provisions Necessary for that purpose, but the problem is how to implement it and how to realize its full potential. That, of course, depends first and foremost on the attitude of the Member States, on what we ourselves want to make of the Organization. 318.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“The Secretary-General, in his report on the work of the Organization last year,' raised this problem and requested the co-operation of Member States and, in particular, of the members of the Security Council to remedy the situation by attempting to increase the effectiveness of peace-keeping operations. That report, which has been a constant source of reflection, prompted many reactions from Member States and from the Security Council. 316. We hope that this will apply as well to the report that the Secretary-General submitted this year. We commend the realistic and lucid way in which he has analyzed both the international situation and the functioning of the Organization.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“The re-establishment of sound and stable growth would considerably increase the possibilities of the resumption of that highly desirable process, whether in the framework of global negotiations or a step by step sectoral approach. 314. Those are the main issues on which I wished to speak. Every year the list of our problems becomes longer without our really being able to remove questions from the agenda and consider them resolved. Some of those questions have remained with us year after year, and some even date from the founding of the United Nations. This is an unhealthy situation which tends to undermine the credibility of the Organization, credibility that is more than ever necessary in our tormented world. 315.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“Whether it be in respect of the debt problem, the question of the development of industry and trade, the distribution of resources between the North and South or the distribution of national income within each of our countries, only sound and stable growth offers realistic prospects for the recovery of national economies and therefore for an increased transfer of resources from North to South. That is what is really at stake in our struggle against protectionism. 313. It would in fact be unforgivable to hinder the recovery of the world economy on which such hopes have been pinned. The consequences for the North-South dialogue seem evident to me.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“If this is not done, not only will we run the risk of curbing or even stifling the economic recovery emerging in certain industrialized countries, but we will also prevent the steady transfer of its beneficial effects to the world economy as a whole. Are we prepared to pay that price for a few short-term gains? 311. I hope that we are all aware of the magnitude of the stakes and that we shall be able to make a reasonable response. A world economic recovery is in fact by far the most effective means, if not of overcoming our economic difficulties, at least of alleviating them. 312.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“309. The international community seemed to have become aware of the danger when last autumn it convened a ministerial meeting of the contracting parties to the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade precisely to attempt to stem this dangerous trend. Other international gatherings, such as the sixth session of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development or the Williamsburg Summit of Industrialized Nations, also produced declarations of principle about combating protectionism. 310. But now these declarations must be put into practice and we must all be prepared not only to ask that our neighbours do away with such barriers, but also to take the first step and dismantle our own protectionist measures.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“That depressed situation has been a fertile ground for the proliferation of protectionist measures, which in turn have contributed to worsening the situation. 308. Although the vicious circle that is the inevitable result of the imposition of tariff and non-tariff barriers is a familiar one, it seems that we have not yet learned our lesson from history. Although these protectionist measures give the illusion of resolving certain problems in the short term, mainly by yielding to the demands of powerful pressure groups, it is a well-established fact— and the recent slowdown in world trade following the upsurge of international trade after the Second World War is ample proof of this—that in the long run protectionist measures lead to a widespread decline in the flow of goods and services, which eventually has harmful effects on all of us.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“It seems to me that the most striking fact revealed in the past year has been the vast dimensions of world indebtedness and, hence, the enormous tension to which the international financial and banking system has been subjected. In spite of these difficulties, the officials of IMF and of private and central banks have managed to avoid major crises and have found, if not permanent solutions, at least temporary compromises, which have made it possible to avoid the worst. 306. The debt problem erupted after interest rates reached dizzying heights and the longest and most serious economic crisis of the post-war period gave rise to stagnation and even a decline in world demand. According to figures of the World Bank, in 1982 most economies had negative growth rates and world trade actually decreased in volume. 307.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“We support the initiatives of the Contadora Group and we encourage it to persevere in its efforts to bring about, through political dialogue and negotiations, a peaceful solution to the region's conflicts. 303. But it is not possible to discuss Latin America without mentioning Chile, a country which has for 10 years now been subjected to a military dictatorship. In the course of recent weeks, the protests of the Chilean people against its fate have been stifled in blood. We forcefully condemn the conduct of the leaders of that country and we join our voice to that of the Chilean people to demand an immediate return to democracy. 304. After having thus considered basically political questions, I should like to turn to more specifically economic issues. 305.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“This is why we have always condemned that flagrant injustice and will continue to demand from the South African authorities action aimed at the genuine establishment of a society based on justice and equal rights for all. 301. There can be no doubt that at the root of that situation is, above all, the injustice and inequality which the majority of the population of that region has suffered for generations. But local problems are now aggravated by external intervention. That internationalization of the conflict is particularly dangerous and must be averted before it can lead to an outbreak of hostilities whose magnitude and consequences could extend far beyond Central America. 302. We therefore support the regional approach as the most promising.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“At the thirty-seventh session, from this same rostrum I expressed cautious optimism as to the chances of success in the near future of the initiatives of the contact group. Unfortunately, it has not yet been possible for those negotiations to succeed. None the less, in a report drawn up by the Secretary-General following his recent visit to that part of the world we find positive elements which give us grounds to hope that the people of Namibia may soon take control of its own destiny. Unfortunately the illegal occupation of Namibia does not constitute the only problem in that region. The institutionalization of racism, seems nowhere near an end. That policy, aimed at maintaining the privileges of a minority, can '.n the long run have only tragic and violent consequences, which must be averted.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“Therefore the fighting must come to an end and negotiations must be resumed in accordance with the resolution adopted by the heads of State and Government of the OAU, inviting Chad and Libya to seek a negotiated settlement to their dispute in the context of the Mediation Committee established by the OAU. This, however, should not preclude similar efforts on the part of competent bodies of the Uni. J Nations, including the Security Council and the Secretary-General. 299. The African continent continues to be shaken by other conflicts and crises which require solution. In the south, especially, two objectives remain to be achieved: the independence of Namibia and the elimination of the racist policy of apartheid. 300. As for Namibia, our hopes have been disappointed once again.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“The intervention of the Libyan army in the territory of Chad constitutes inadmissible interference in the internal affairs of a sovereign country and therefore a clear violation of the Charter of the United Nations. In fact, the legitimacy of the Government of President Hissein Habre has once again been confirmed at the nineteenth session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the Organization of African Unity, held at Addis Ababa in June 1983. The fact that the Libyan Government questions that legitimacy in no way gives it a right to intervene by force of arms in the internal affairs of Chad. Foreign armed intervention only aggravates the conflict in that country and prevents the consolidation of the internal situation.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“It is highly desirable and in the interests of all that reason should prevail over fanaticism and that the resolutions adopted unanimously by the Security Council and by an overwhelming majority of the members of the Assembly, resolutions calling for an immediate cease-fire and the cessation of all military operations, should at long last be respected. 297. As regards the situation in Iran, the execution and detention of members of the Baha'i religion and the recent disbanding of all the organizations of that religious community constitute particularly flagrant violations, which we strongly condemn, of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. 298. On the African continent, the question of Chad has assumed a new and tragic dimension.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“I should like to take this opportunity to express our compassion for the Palestinians of the West Bank and Gaza, who have for 16 years now lived under foreign occupation and who are not only subjected to the hardships of military rule but are also exposed to deadly attacks by private militia, whose crimes more often than not go unpunished. 296. The bloody war between Iraq and Iran, which has gone on for more than three years now, adds dangerously to the instability of that part of the world and takes a tragically high toll in terms of human life and material losses.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“As for negotiations on a comprehensive peace in the region, I need hardly reiterate the principles on which we consider that a solution must be based: justice for all peoples and security for all the States of the region. My Greek colleague recalled this once again on behalf of the European Community at the 7th meeting yesterday. 294. Europe is therefore in favour of self-determination for the Palestinian people, just as it will always be at Israel's side to defend the existence and security of that country and its inhabitants. But it is inconceivable that Israel should continue its present policy in the occupied territories. 295.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“Until just a few days ago, that martyred country was engulfed in the horrors of war and of mindless violence. The occupation of large parts of Lebanese territory by foreign forces which, according to Governments' interests, support opposing factions could soon lead to the partition and disintegration of the Lebanese nation. 292. As a small country, Luxembourg is particularly devoted to the principle of respect for the sovereignty of States, for their territorial integrity and for their national independence. Therefore, we cannot fail to keep repeating that it is essential for all foreign occupation forces whose presence is not required by the Lebanese Government to leave Lebanon as soon as possible. Freed from foreign interference, the Lebanese people could embark on the quest for genuine national reconciliation and internal peace. 293.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“I have spoken of problems related to East-West relations, and I should like to say a few words on the subject of other hotbeds of tension. We cannot conceal our impatience at the fact that the question of Cyprus is still deadlocked. We warmly thank the Secretary- General for the personal commitment he continues to show in this connection, and we should like to reiterate our firm support for him. As to the substance of the matter, we continue to support fully and completely the principles set out in General Assembly resolutions 3212 (XXIX) and 3395 (XXX). 290. As for the Middle East, it remains more than ever among the most unstable regions in the world. 291. During the past year, tragic events in Lebanon have followed one another at a terrifying pace.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“Those negotiations must be concluded before the end of the year, and there must be a restoration of the approximate balance which even the Soviet Union itself acknowledges as having existed in Europe a few years ago. 286. The new proposals put forward here two days ago by President Reagan are a proof of the firm determination of the United States and its allies to arrive speedily at a balanced agreement. 287. We urge the Soviet Union to reverse its negative reaction and to rejoin the United States in an intensive effort to achieve as soon as possible an equitable, verifiable agreement. 288. Hat we are aware too that progress in the sphere of disarmament is in no way conceivable in a climate of tension and mistrust. Therefore, to promote the cause of detente, there is a need for a certain moderation of language on all sides. 289.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“Given the serious economic problems and imbalances facing our planet, we consider that, among other measures, everything should be done to draft an international agreement to achieve greater transparency and true comparability in the area of military budgets. 284. Furthermore, the establishment of an international convention prohibiting the development, production and stockpiling of chemical weapons seems to us to be a priority objective. We also hope that the problem of the prevention of an arms race in outer space will be dealt with as soon as possible. 285. Members will understand, however, that the negotiations most important to us at present concern intermediate-range nuclear forces.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“The disappointing results of the Assembly's twelfth special session, the second devoted to disarmament, showed clearly that the beginnings of a solution and of a reversal of the trend in the arms race depend more and more on progress in the talks between the two superpowers, which have particular responsibilities in this field. 282. Obviously, a country the size of Luxembourg is in favour of disarmament at the lowest possible level, which is the only guarantee of increased international stability. Negotiations, therefore, must lead to reductions which are truly balanced and verifiable, whether they concern theatre nuclear weapons, strategic weapons or conventional forces. 283.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“It is not perfect, of course, but it makes it possible for dialogue to continue and for the spirit of Helsinki to survive. The Government of Luxembourg is pleased at this development, and it hopes that the meetings to be held after that at Madrid will lead to genuine, tangible progress, starting with the Conference on Confidence- and Security-building Measures and Disarmament in Europe, which will take place at Stockholm at the beginning of next year. The importance we attach to that Conference, however, will in no way detract from the great interest we have in other bilateral or multilateral negotiations now under way in the Held of disarmament and which, unfortunately, are hardly progressing at all. 281.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“I am thinking in particular of the Madrid meeting of the States participating in the Conference on Security and Co-operation in Europe, which ended in agreement, and of the signs of economic recovery seen in certain Western economies, especially that of the United States. 279. We venture to hope that these are harbingers of more positive developments which will eventually lead to a lasting improvement in East-West relations and to economic recovery at the world level. Let us seize the opportunity to transform these encouraging elements into real possibilities for reversing certain negative trends which have taken deep root in recent years. 280. Along these lines, it is somewhat reassuring that at the Madrid meeting it was possible to arrive at agreement on a Concluding Document.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“The formation of truly free unions is not yet allowed; dialogue between the Government and the nation's active forces is not progressing; the writers' union and several other artists' unions have been disbanded; and further arrests have occurred. 277. We solemnly call upon the authorities at last to take into account the legitimate aspirations of the Polish people and thus to make a decisive contribution to the improvement of relations between East and West. 278. To return to the general situation, I would say that while the backdrop of the world stage is rather gloomy, we should not lose sight of certain more encouraging elements.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“It is time to put an end to the terrible suffering that the Kampuchean people has had to endive and to make it possible for that people to control its own destiny in a neutral, independent Kampuchea free from all foreign interference. We welcome the formation of a coalition Government as an important step in that direction. 276. There can be no doubt that the situation in Poland has not yet developed in a satisfactory way. To be sure, my Government was pleased at the lifting of martial law and at the announcement of a law of amnesty last July. But we could not but note that at the same time the Polish Government enacted other measures to strengthen the machinery of repression, such as its amendment of the Constitution and of the penal code.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“Equally vigorously, we condemn the attacks and atrocities of which the populations of Afghanistan have been victim, and we strongly deplore the fate of the countless Afghan refugees who have had to flee abroad. The fact is that the occupation of that neutral, non- aligned country by the Soviet Union goes on in spite of the many resolutions adopted by nearly all the States Members of the Organization. In the name of all the principles which form the foundation of the United Nations, we demand that the Soviet troops be withdrawn and that the Afghan people be allowed to exercise its fundamental right of self-determination. 275. Another problem, and one which has concerned us for a long time, is that of Kampuchea, which remains under the domination of Viet Nam despite repeated appeals by the United Nations for a negotiated political solution.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“It ought also to participate freely in a better definition of the rules of conduct to be observed in such cases, which must in any event forbid the use of force against civilian aircraft under any pretext whatsoever. 272. The tragic event I have just mentioned concerned a Korean airliner, and I should like to take this opportunity to express the fervent desire that a dialogue may at last begin without preconditions between the two parts of Korea and that as a gesture of goodwill and as a humanitarian measure members of families divided by the 38th parallel will be permitted to be reunited and to bring their family units together again. 273. Luxembourg also supports the candidacy of the Republic of Korea, which for so long has wished to become a Member of the Organization. It will not oppose the admission of North Korea. 274.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“East-West relations, following the deterioration during the past few years, are now in particularly difficult straits; the North-South dialogue has not evolved in any way that could be described as satisfactory; and, lastly, the economic situation of the large majority of Member States is still in a state of crisis that has left deep marks. 271. Furthermore, recent events have been marked by a particularly outrageous act: the destruction of a civilian aircraft by Soviet armed forces. That inhuman act has been severely condemned by the Government and people of Luxembourg. We expect the Soviet Union to cooperate fully in the inquiry decided upon by ICAO and pay fair compensation to the families of the victims.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“I can therefore confine myself to dealing with some issues that seem to us particularly worthy of attention. 270. Since the thirty-seventh session we have unfortunately not succeeded in putting an end to any of the many conflicts that continue to afflict the peoples of our world. Some problems have taken a slightly more positive turn; others have stagnated; still others have clearly worsened. On the whole, it is unfortunately impossible for us to say that the world situation has developed in a positive way during the past year.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“Furthermore, I take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation of the exceptional dedication, lucidity and foresight of the Secretary-General and to assure him of the sincere and constructive co-operation of the Government of Luxembourg. 268. Finally, I extend a warm welcome to the delegation of Saint Christopher and Nevis, which has just joined the Organization. 269. The past year, like others, has been rich in events that have had an impact on the work of the Assembly. My Greek colleague, Mr. Haralambopoulos, speaking at the 7th meeting on behalf of the 10 members of the European Community, set forth the Community's position on the many problems confronting us. It goes without saying that we completely support that statement.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“265. It is a very agreeable duty as well as a true pleasure for me to join my colleagues in congratulating the President on his election to the presidency of this thirty-eighth session of the Assembly. Convinced of his outstanding qualities as a diplomat and aware of his long experience in international affairs, I have no doubt whatever that in the weeks and months to come he will lead the work of the Assembly with authority and tact. 266. I wish also to thank Mr. Hollai, the President of the thirty-seventh session of the Assembly, for the skill and dedication with "which he guided our debates. 267.”
1983-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 38 (1983)
“It is up to us to preserve this advantage and develop it to its full potential, so that the Organization, in accordance with paragraph 4 of Article 1 of the Charter, can be "a centre for harmonizing the actions of nations in the attainment of common ends" and remain so for future generations.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“That would only lead to false hopes followed by political discontent from a public which is already weary of the few successes of the United Nations in certain specific tragic and easily identifiable problems. 41. Those few thoughts concur with the substance of the Secretary-General's analysis of the situation in his report on the work of the Organization. That report, made without complacency, speaks to certain weaknesses of the Organization but, above all, addresses itself to Governments—that is to say, to us—inviting us to go beyond short-term political expediency and rediscover the true objectives of the United Nations. 42. The fact remains that the Organization offers a unique advantage, allowing constant dialogue amongst all of us.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“However, we must make use of this instrument with deftness and dexterity if it is to function according to the intentions of its founders. Hence, we must guard against abusing it or making inadequate use of it, be it for propaganda purposes or for short-term political gain. In particular, we must ensure that every organ functions in keeping with its mandate and the principles enshrined in the Charter. 40. Let us guard against bringing before the organs of the Organization problems they are not competent to deal with. Otherwise, the only result would be a profusion of texts whose impact would be inversely proportional to their number.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“In this respect I wish to emphasize how deserving are all those who played a constructive role in the solution of this problem, whether from the group of five Western States or the front-line States, and I should like to see others take inspiration from this model, which proves once again that when people come to the negotiating table with the firm intention of succeeding, even the most thorny problems can be resolved in a manner acceptable to all. The picture of the international situation I have just drawn is especially bleak. Rather than allowing ourselves to be discouraged and falling prey to pessimism, we should consider this bitter reality as a new challenge and redouble our efforts to reverse this trend. 39. The Organization—at least if we persist in upholding the Charter—is a precious instrument in this regard.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“In Africa, there are still numerous conflicts—in Somalia, Chad or the southern part of the continent. Let us say at the outset that the painful problem of apartheid in South Africa is not near to an acceptable solution. We condemn this ignoble attack on the dignity of the human person and we remain convinced of the imperative need to abandon this policy of racial discrimination if a dangerous escalation of violence in southern Africa is to be avoided. 37. Nevertheless, I should like to end on a somewhat more optimistic note with regard to this part of the world: indeed, the Namibian conflict seems close to a solution. We hope that it will soon be possible to eliminate the last remaining obstacles in order to enable the Namibian people to determine its own future. 38.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“We shall never subscribe to the idea that it is incumbent upon a more powerful neighbour to decide on the well-being of another nation. We believe that it is high time for the people of Kampuchea, after such trials and suffering, at last to have the opportunity itself to decide on its own future, and we welcome the formation of a coalition Government as an important step in that direction. 35. In Central America, there is no end to dangerous tension. Although there has been some progress in certain countries, the situation remains unstable and the peoples of the region are far from having achieved the kind of coexistence enabling them to live in peace and security. Interesting proposals have been put forward by certain countries, and we would hope that they will contribute to diminishing tension in the near future. 36.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“The occupation of Afghanistan by Soviet troops in flagrant violation of the fundamental principles of the Charter is now in its third year, despite the vigorous objections of all justice-loving peoples and the courageous resistance of the Afghan people. We reiterate our deep devotion to the right of the Afghan people to self-determination and its right to return to its previous status of neutrality and non-alignment under international guarantees. 34. In Kampuchea, on the pretext of eliminating an inhuman genocide regime, Viet Nam has imposed a puppet Government upon which it seeks to confer legality. Without wishing in any way to acquiesce in the barbarous policies of the Pol Pot Government, we remain convinced that the invasion by Viet Nam is contrary to the principles of international law.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“I am referring to the particularly bloody war between Iran and Iraq which has led to a huge number of victims and great material damage. This is another dangerous destabilizing factor in the region of the Middle East, which has been so sorely tried. It is important that reason overcome fanaticism and that a negotiated solution put an end to that blood-bath. 32. In Asia, two serious drawn out conflicts continue to be of concern. The main responsibility for these two conflicts tails to a super-Power, whether it is guilty of direct intervention, as in Afghanistan, or indirect intervention, as in Kampuchea. 33.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“I would not wish to fail to welcome the new American proposals announced by President Reagan on 1 September, as well as the resolution which the heads of State and Government of Arab countries adopted unanimously on 9 September at Fez at the end of the Twelfth Arab Summit Conference [,4/37/696]. These different ideas, American and Arab, could encourage concrete progress in the quest for a just and lasting peace, to which the people of the Middle East have aspired for so long. A necessary precondition, however, is the establishment of a climate of confidence which is still lacking. 31. Another dangerous and explosive conflict, of which there is too little discussion in the Assembly, is also present in the Middle East.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Like its partners in the European Community, Luxembourg is convinced that the future of the Lebanese State can be assured only if all troops at present occupying the country—those of Israel or the Syrian Arab Republic—withdraw as soon as possible. 29. As for the negotiation of a comprehensive peace for the region, events in Lebanon have shown the need for all parties to be involved, which means the Palestine Liberation Organization as well. The principles that should guide those negotiations are, more than ever, the security of all States in the region, including the right of Israel to exist; justice for all peoples, including the right of Palestinians to self- determination with everything that that implies; and, finally, mutual recognition of all parties concerned. 30.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“The gravity and the inherent dangers of that crisis, which has continued to shake that part of the world since the end of the Second World War, have been emphasized at countless meetings of the Security Council and at the seventh emergency special session, when the Assembly met to consider the problem on three separate occasions. 28. The tragic events which have continued at an infernal pace in Lebanon since the invasion in June by Israel led about 10 days ago to the horrible massacre of some 1,000 Palestinian civilians in two refugee camps in Beirut. That criminal and irresponsible act, just like the act committed against President-elect Bashir Gemayel, can only be condemned.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“On that occasion, one of the members of the European Community was the victim of grave violations of the principles of the Charter, namely those of non-resort to the use of force and the peaceful settlement of disputes. 26. My country, itself a repeated victim of annexation and occupation by foreign Powers, can never condone resort to force or violation of the right of peoples to self-determination. 27. As for the Middle East, the situation has deteriorated continually since the last session of the General Assembly.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“The United Nations and its specialized services have rendered particularly precious assistance in all areas where hunger threatens, but we must observe that the problem is far from being resolved. Perhaps we are over emphasizing food aid per se , that is, the mere supply of food products, whereas it would certainly be better to enable the populations concerned themselves to meet their own needs. 25. After these considerations of East-West and North-South problems, I should like to turn to the principal areas of tension in the world today. We must unfortunately observe that since last year there has been a tendency for conflicts to increase. The unfortunately "traditional" areas of conflict have been compounded by a new one, that of the South Atlantic.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“I therefore take this opportunity to emphasize that one must not give in to protectionist temptations which may in the short run be alluring but lead, through an escalation of counter-productive results, inescapably to a negative balance-sheet for all trading partners. 23. I wish also to say a word on hunger in the world. This question, which is the most urgent of all, should have absolute priority. It is indeed absolutely unacceptable that in certain parts of the world malnutrition should be the rule when food surpluses are being improperly used elsewhere and indeed destroyed in order to maintain a level of prices acceptable to the producers. The right to decent nutrition is one of the most fundamental human rights, if not the most fundamental, and should be guaranteed for all. 24.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Have we so soon forgotten that the principal cause of the unparalleled economic boom following the Second World War was the determined support of the principles of free trade of goods and services? 21. Experience has taught us that protectionism inevitably leads to a limitation of growth, indeed a reduction in the volume of world trade, and to particularly damaging repercussions on the small and weak. That does not exclude the fact that countries whose economies are close to autarchy, which of course are less seriously affected, do not escape the consequences of a world economy in recession. 22. My country, which in view of its size is particularly aware of its dependence and of interdependence in general, has always been especially attached to the concept of free trade in goods and services.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“In this regard I should like to observe that if our hopes should be dashed and if global negotiations do not get under way—which we hope will not be the case—we ought not be too rigidly wedded to primarily theoretical concept but try to attack the problems from a less ambitious but more concrete point of view. 19. What is important is that we should succeed in continuing the dialogue and that we persist in seeking a solution, whether it be global or consists of several partial phases. We should not lose sight of the fact that it is the principle of interdependence that is the governing factor, interdependence in an increasingly complex world. 20. Unfortunately, the economic difficulties of today lead to nationalistic reactions and self-protection. The spectre of protectionism is once again looming on the horizon.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)
“Considering the time spent on negotiating merely the procedure and the agenda, without its leading to an acceptable result for all, this session may well be our last chance. If we do not succeed in getting the process under way now, this ambitious and grand undertaking may remain a dead letter. Have we been too ambitious in our objectives in wishing to attack all the problems at a stroke? Is an undertaking of such dimensions viable in these times of crisis? Are there other alternatives which are less ambitious but morerealistic and have better chances of success? These are questions that must be answered at this session. 18.”
1982-09-24 · UN General Assembly · General Debate, Session 37 (1982)